Yorktown Texas History:
In 1846, Indian fighter and landowner Capt. John York moved to Coleto Creek near present day Yorktown. York and Charles Eckhardt, a prosperous merchant and land speculator from Indianola, planned to build a trading post and a new, shorter road for teamsters traveling from Indianola to San Antonio on the Indianola Trail. In 1848 Eckhardt hired John A. King to survey this road and which would travel across York’s property and past King’s home on Coleto Creek. York conveyed half interest in the townsite to Eckhardt and others. The first ten settlers were promised a town lot and 10 acres of land. Eckhardt built the town’s first log home in 1848, and established the Charles Eckhardt and Sons store in 1850. York was killed in an Indian fight in 1848. When the town was chartered in 1854 it was named after York. In 1871 the Yorktown post office was established and the town incorporated. In 1886 the Aransas Pass Railway built a line a mile south of the community. Over time the town relocated to be closer to the railway line, and the old townsite was referred to as Upper Yorktown. By 1898 the town had more than 50 businesses and had 846 residents. The Yorktown Fire Department was established in 1902, and the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce was established in 1918. In 1984 the Charles Eckhardt store became a museum and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Native son and marine Harlon Henry Block was one of six marines photographed raising the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. Yorktown is located southeast of Fifteen Mile Coleto Creek at the intersection of SH 72 and SH 119, 25 miles northeast of Kenedy, 32 miles northeast of Karnes City, 18 miles northeast of Runge, 8 miles northeast of Runge, 13.7 miles northwest of Meyersville, 25 miles northwest of Goliad, 44 miles northwest of Victoria, 16 miles southwest of Cuero, 33 miles southwest of Yoakum, 42 miles southwest of Shiner, 32 miles south of Hochheim, and 22 miles south of Westhoff, Texas.

Historic Yorktown, Texas Historical Marker Text:
“Founded 1848 as way station on old Indianola Trail. Chartered August 2, 1854. Incorporated 1871. San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad reached here 1886. Town's first school organized 1853. Prospered as center of farming and ranching; later, of oil and gas. Pioneer strains are German, American, Pole, Czech, Spaniard, Mexican, Negro.” The marker is located on SH 72 on the eastern edge of town.

Historic C. Eckhardt and Sons Building, 1876, Texas Historical Marker Text:
“Erected 1876. Had iron shutters, elevator, walls 25 inches thick. Housed general mercantile store begun by pioneer Caesar Eckhardt family in 1848, soon after founding of Yorktown. Wagons brought in goods from seaport of Indianola. Gold and silver hidden under potatoes were sent to San Antonio to purchase other supplies. During the Civil War, wife ran the business while the husband and two sons served the south. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.” The building is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. 144 W. Main Street. C.

Historic Lithuanians in Texas Historical Marker Text:
“Among the many European immigrants arriving in Texas in the mid-19th century was a small group of Lithuanians who settled in the Yorktown vicinity of De Witt County. Due to their eventual assimilation with the numerous German immigrants in the area, the Lithuanians and their contributions to the history of this region were overlooked for generations. Records reveal that the first Lithuanian family to settle in this area probably was that of David and Dora (Scholze) Stanchos. They arrived about 1852, making them among the earliest documented Lithuanian immigrants to America. By 1874 they were joined by about 70 more immigrants, most from the province of Gumbinnen in what was then part of East Prussia. Leaving their homeland for a variety of religious and political reasons, the Lithuanians arrived in Texas primarily through the ports of Galveston and Indianola. Establishing farms in the area, the Lithuanians became American citizens and contributed to the history and culture of this area. Men from the community fought on both sides of the American Civil War. A small graveyard south of Yorktown known as Jonischkies Cemetery contains the interments of many of these early settlers.” The marker and cemetery are located on FM 119 and Alvis Road, approximately 4 miles south of town (near Royal Oaks).

Yorktown Historical Museum:
The museum is located in two historical buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One building is the 1876 Charles Eckhardt Store. The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits depicting the early history of Yorktown, including a hand operated elevator, a 1900s sea era fire wagon, the area’s first Lawman’s pistol, Indian arrowheads, musical instruments, antique tools, and an antique doll collection. The museum is working to preserve the Yorktown Memorial Hospital. The museum strives to be open Tue-Fri, 1pm-4pm; call before visiting. (361)564-9115. 144 W. Main Street.

Garfield Dance Hall:
The hall hosts a spring and fall feast. Menu items include homemade sausage, potato salad, stuffed cabbage, beans and other foods. The cost is $7.50 a plate. The hall is available for event rentals. (361) 564-3258. 9688 Garfield Road, 78164.

Gruenau Hall Turn and Schuetzen Verein, Gruenau, Texas:
Gruenau Hall burned to the ground on January 17, 2007. It was rebuilt and is now hosting dances and live music, and hosts annual barbeque cook-off the end of March. (361)816-7200. Gruenau Hall is located approximately 8 miles northwest of Yorktown at 1012 Gruenau Road (FM 2014). Facebook

Annual Yorktown Western Days Ziegfest, 3rd Weekend in Oct:
Activities include live music, South Texas gunfighters, old west medicine shows, 6-gun exhibitions, a gold mine, M-4 flight simulators, puppet shows, a carnival, a youth road race, armadillo races, children’s activities, Sahawe Indian dancers, mutton bustin’s, a pig scramble, petting zoo, pony rides, a mechanical bull contest, a motorcycle run, a Grand Parade, a BBQ cook-off, a salsa contest, horseshoe and washer contests, an antique tractor and farm show, a quilt show, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and more. This popular event has been written up in numerous national magazines. No parking or admission fees apply. This event is sponsored by the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce. It is held at the downtown Yorktown City Park near 103 West Main Street. (361) 564-2661. Email